Greater New Orleans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Brian Leonard (30) vaults New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the second quarter during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at the Superdome Sunday, December 29, 2013. (Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune)
(Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

From the benching and eventual release of quarterback Josh Freeman to an 0-8 start and rumblings about a head coaching position at Penn State, Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano has been through the ringer all season.

Schiano dodged questions about his future with the Bucs in a press conference after the 42-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

"I don't think about that," he said. "I think when you coach, you just put every waking moment into what you do, so it is not like, well if this is the game, then I really have to work."

The former Rutgers coach has three years remaining on a five-year, $15 million contract he signed in 2012. But after a 4-12 finish this season, Tampa Bay's management may make some changes.

The Bucs' season looked promising with the additions of cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Dashon Goldson this past offseason, but Tampa Bay struggled to finish early on, losing three of their first four games by three points or less.

And, after the Freeman fallout, rumors swirled later in the season about Schiano replacing Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien. However, Schiano once again quashed those notions Sunday.

"I, or no one connected with me has had any contact with Penn State. I said it Wednesday and I'll say it again, the job I have is the job I want," he said.

Rookie quarterback Mike Glennon, who was promoted to starter after the benching of Freeman, praised Schiano. He said he has "full expectations that he will be back next year."

"We have a great relationship and he does a great job spending time with the quarterback," Glennon said.

Other players said the four-win season will lead to changes, whether it's the coach or one of them.

"Four and 12 ain't good enough, there's definitely going to be some type of changes," right tackle Demar Dotson said. "I just got to see what goes on and, you know, hoping I'm safe."

Revis was mum on Schiano.

"That's not my call. I don't make those big-time management decisions. And, I just will leave it that that -- it's not my call," Revis said.

Either way, the Bucs begin a long offseason after three consecutive losing seasons, two under Schiano.